Trials hardly come more challenging than this for an inexperienced quarterback stepping into his initial NFL contest.
Cam Ward — the top selection during April’s draft — initiated his NFL journey for the Tennessee Titans this past Sunday, confronting a Denver Broncos defensive squad widely anticipated to dominate the league. Amidst a match where Broncos quarterback Bo Nix turned the ball over thrice, Tennessee succeeded in maintaining a close score.
But Denver’s defensive prowess ultimately proved insurmountable, as the Titans were unable to achieve a touchdown, resulting in a 20-12 victory for the Broncos.
Ward, predictably, encountered consistent duress from a pass rush spearheaded by Pro Bowler Nik Bonitto. When Ward managed to secure the opportunity to throw, the options were limited against a secondary fortified by the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II. Consequently, the Titans’ offensive unit only managed to generate 133 yards.
Ward showcased flashes of brilliance and largely avoided critical errors, aside from a fumble lost on fourth down during the Titans’ concluding offensive play. He was also occasionally let down by his receivers, notably with two significant fourth-quarter drops by Calvin Ridley on deep passes.
Ultimately, the Broncos managed to sack Ward six times, including one instance within the red zone and two additional times during a pivotal fourth-quarter possession following a muffed Broncos punt return that initially placed Tennessee within field-goal range.
Tennessee’s offense struggled against a stout Denver defense, but Cam Ward showed flashes of why he was the No. 1 pick in the draft.
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Late sacks thwart Titans’ prime opportunity for a surprise win
Tennessee gained control of the ball early in the fourth quarter at Denver’s 24-yard line, trailing 13-12 and merely needing a field goal to seize the lead. However, Ward suffered a second-down sack that drove the Titans back to the 38.
Subsequently, a third-down sack by Zach Allen pushed the Titans even further back, this time beyond field-goal range.
Tennessee then had two additional chances to equalize the score following the Broncos extending their lead to 20-12 with a J.K. Dobbins touchdown run.
Ridley’s drops seal the fate of a late comeback bid
Ward launched what appeared to be a first-down pass on third-and-10 to Ridley near the Broncos’ 30-yard line late in the fourth quarter. However, the ball deflected off Ridley’s hands, resulting in an incomplete pass, and the Titans were forced to punt from midfield.
Subsequently, the Broncos turned the ball over on downs at Tennessee’s 36-yard line with 1:04 remaining. Yet, the Titans failed to secure a first down on a drive where Ridley dropped another potential first-down pass that landed directly in his hands.
Ultimately, Ward completed 12 of 29 passes, accumulating 112 yards without any touchdowns or interceptions. He lost 50 yards due to six sacks. Nevertheless, there were instances of promising performance from the rookie quarterback to build upon. Furthermore, Tennessee’s defense displayed its own resilience in a game that featured four Broncos turnovers.
Encouraging signs from Ward
Ward showcased the athleticism and playmaking acumen that secured his position as the top overall pick during the game’s opening possession. Facing third-and-11 at Tennessee’s 34-yard line, Ward evaded pressure from Denver’s pass rush and advanced into the pocket.
He then looked towards his right, spotting Tony Pollard open in the flat. Pollard subsequently dashed across midfield for a 29-yard gain and a first down.
Ward once again demonstrated composure under pressure early in the fourth quarter. He evaded the pass rush on second-and-8 from Tennessee’s 12-yard line and was pursued into the end zone by D.J. Jones. However, Ward remained composed. He launched a flawless downfield pass just as Jones arrived, which Ridley caught for a 13-yard gain and a first down.
Then there were the passes that Ridley failed to catch. Ward delivered both fourth-quarter passes directly into Ridley’s hands, which would have resulted in first downs had Ridley secured them. However, he did not. And Tennessee’s desperate attempts to achieve the biggest upset of Week 1 fell short.
The outcome for Ward and the Titans proved frustrating. However, Ward’s performance against an elite defense was more commendable than the box score suggests. He will have the opportunity to improve in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams.
